Starting and managing a cake business from the comfort of your home kitchen is a delightful and profitable venture. To turn your baking passion into the source of income, handling business formalities are inevitable, starting with acquiring necessary licenses and selecting the best e-commerce platform for your business. This article will primarily focus on various e-commerce platforms, with detailed comparisons, aiming to help you in making an informed decision. Furthermore, we will provide guidelines on how to make your Wix website private for prospective clients.
Airmart
Airmart is the first in line for consideration, especially intended for home entrepreneurs like home chefs and cottage bakers. Providing a hassle-free and rapid shop setup was the primary mission when this e-commerce platform was designed. It incorporates a host of options for local delivery, shipping, and food subscriptions. It allows vendors to set up basic shops free of charge, enabling entrepreneurs to receive pre-orders in no time.
Pros
– There is no setup fee, the basic shop can be availed for free.
– Simple shop setup, no coding knowledge required.
– Allows pre-orders which suits varied business models.
– Offers SEO features embedded in the platform for improved online visibility.
– Each vendor receives a personalized URL for their shop.
Cons
– Application of transaction fees.
– Advanced features and benefits can only be accessed through a paid subscription.
Please remember that along with setting up your online shop, it is necessary to acquire the required licenses to legally sell your home-baked goods. Depending on your city or state, you may require a business license, a food handler’s permit, and a home inspection to meet the Cottage Food Laws. Requirements vary, so it’s important to research and ensure you’re in compliance with local regulations.
If you choose Wix as your e-commerce platform and want to make your site private, follow these simple steps: go to your Wix site editor, choose “Site” from the menu at the top, choose “Site Manager”, select “Privacy”, and finally select “Private”. Remember, a private site can only be accessed by visitors who have the password. Setting up a private site can be useful when you’re still building your online store or want to limit access to select customers.
Deciding on the right platform for your home-based cake business is not just about the cost. It’s about choosing a solution that fits your business model, has the necessary capabilities, and can scale with you as you grow. Once you have selected a platform and obtained the necessary licenses, nothing is stopping you from turning your passion for baking into a profitable business. So, get your oven mitts ready and commence your exciting home-based cake business!